Loafiesta 2

Loafiesta 2 will be the second edition of Loafiesta, the national selection process used to choose the Loafousian entry for Maia Song Contest 8. The edition was confirmed on 24th February 2017, a day before the results of the semi finals in Maia Song Contest 7, citing the rising popularity of the contest in Loafousia as the reason. The number of entries was increased from 10 entries to 12, one entry from each state of Loafousia.

The national final was cancelled following Loafousia's victory in the seventh edition of Maia Song Contest, and later it was revealed that the winner would've been Rita Dakota with her song "Polcheloveka", with Sasha Holiday in 2nd and Anavae in 3rd.

Format
On the night of the Grand Final, the 12 entries will be performed, and then voted on by the international juries. The points will all be added together, and the entry with the most points will be chosen to represent Loafousia in Maia Song Contest 8.

It was initially reported that ETL had held a secret entry submission period starting in early February 2016, although this was later denied when a public announcement was made on Friday 17th February 2017, with the deadline being just one week later when the national final was officially announced. When it was announced, ETL confirmed that they had received 1013 submissions, an increase from the first edition, including some from high profile musicians in Loafousia.

Presenters
Alongside the announcement of the national final on 28th January, ETL confirmed that the show would be presented by presenter and comedian Mel Giedroyc, who would be accompanied by actress Tameka Empson and singer as well as previous Loafousian representative Charlotte OC on the night.

Performances
The opening act was confirmed to be Chlöe Howl, who represented Loafousia in the previous edition of Maia Song Contest, with her song "Rumour". The interval acts have not yet been confirmed, although rumours are suggesting that names such as Michaela May and Veridia could be performing.

Entries
There is no information on the entries yet, but ETL did confirm that all entries will be performed in English.

Anavae is a rock duo from Anelsavia, composed of vocalist Rebecca Need-Menear and guitarist Jamie Finch. They are a prominent group in the underground music industry in Loafousia, and will be performing the song that first got them attention, "Feel Alive".

Elsa & Emilie is an indie-pop duo from Voiloir, both sharing Björnsk roots, who gained popularity in both nations following several acoustic live performances in Voiloir. They will be performing the dark-pop song "Au Volant".

Enisa is a pop-soul singer-songwriter from Hutevska, who gained attention in Loafousia through her covers of worldwide hits. She will be performing "Burn This Bridge".

Lali is an actress, singer, dancer, model and songwriter from Leve Rao, and the first of two Spanish language singers in the contest. She will be performing "Ego".

Lenachka, born Helene Immel, is a D'unelalehi-born singer, born to Loafousian parents and now based in Verumba. She will be performing "Private Eyes", which appears in the trailer for 2017 film The Circle.

Mae Valley is a country music duo from Goldcoast, consisting of Abby Christodoulou and Hannah Cosgrave, formed on the Loafousian version of The X Factor. They will be performing "Brightside".

Monica Naranjo is a pop-rock singer from Aspirala, to a Loafousian mother and a Dalérín father. Having sold nine million albums worldwide, she is the most well-known artist in the selection. She will be performing "Perdida", in Spanish, translating to "Lost".

Nabiha, born Nabiha Bensouda, is a pop singer-songwriter from Lolithan, with Arkaystian roots. She will be performing "Mind The Gap" in Loafiesta.

Nod One's Head is the stage name of Sloevskan-born Charlott Boss, who cites her influences as the "hot mess of the Izol music scene". She will be performing "I'm Mad".

Rita Dakota is a pop star from Obnivli with D'unelalehi roots. She will be performing "Polcheloveka", which translates to "Half A Person", at Loafiesta.

Sasha Holiday is an electro-pop singer from Ljubitoa, and she will be performing "Chameleon" in Loafiesta.

Yellow Claw is a DJ and record production duo from Aplinia, consisting of Jim Aisgier and Nizzle. They will be performing "Love & War" accompanied by Yade Lauren, also from Aplinia.

Final
The final will take place in Tiknik Arena, on an unconfirmed date. The winner will be decided by the international juries of Maia, where any country is eligible and invited to vote.

Voting is now open!

You can find the recap here. You can find the playlist (including recap) here.